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Make It a Perfect Friday: Top Things to Do in LA
Fridays in Los Angeles hit differently. There's excitement in the air as the city wakes up, ready to show you its movie-star sparkle, beachy breezes, and neighborhoods bursting with flavor. If you’re a tourist on a mission to make the most of your trip, Friday is when LA’s energy really kicks in—from sunrise moments at the Griffith Observatory to dancing under neon lights downtown. Here’s where you can catch epic views, snap sunsets, feast on world-class treats, walk with Hollywood legends, and soak up that endless summer feeling, all in one jam-packed, joy-filled day. Ready for your best LA Friday ever? Let’s start planning.
Our Friday favorites in Los Angeles include:
Griffith Observatory Tour
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour
Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes
Natural History Museum
Aquarium of the Pacific
Grand Central Market lunch adventure
Rooftop drinks at Perch
Live music at The Troubadour
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour: Doorway to LA’s Neighborhoods
Don’t want to stress about parking or deciphering addresses? Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Discover Tour is your all-access pass to LA’s dazzling neighborhoods—all while riding in style. Hop aboard an open-top double-decker and lean into that tourist life as you cruise, guided by lively narration packed with local scoops and cheeky stories.
Why do we rate this as a top Friday pick? Because it blends total flexibility with classic sightseeing—step off wherever catches your eye, and you’re already part of the party. Maybe you want to wander in Beverly Hills, snap the palm-lined streets, or scope out Melrose’s famous murals. Maybe the Walk of Fame is calling, with its ever-changing crowd and glittering theater marquees. Big Bus lets you bounce effortlessly between must-sees and hidden gems. With multiple loops connecting Hollywood, Downtown, and the beaches, you set the pace—people-watch in West Hollywood, dig up vintage finds on Fairfax, or jump back on and head for the ocean breeze.
The vibe on Fridays is unbeatable: you’ll cruise by locals gearing up for the weekend, artists setting up pop-up galleries, and musicians spilling tunes onto sidewalk patios. It’s sightseeing with zero stress and max fun—just don’t forget your sunglasses.
Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour: Sunshine, Surf and Street Art
You can’t say you’ve done LA right without hitting the coast, and our secret weapon for Friday feels? The Highlights of Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking. Imagine miles of golden sand, ocean air in your hair, and a parade of street performers, sunbathers, and bodybuilders giving you a real SoCal welcome.
Start by cruising through the Santa Monica Pier, spinning the Ferris wheel, and admiring the view from above. As you pedal south, the scenery quickly shifts: surfers dot the horizon, rollerbladers flash by, and palm trees sway in the salty breeze. Your guide will point out colorful murals, muscle beach gyms, and secret photo spots you’d probably miss alone. Venice’s meandering canals and Boardwalk buzz put you in the center of LA’s most eclectic artistry—think mural-covered walls, skate parks, and high-energy music.
Stop for a smoothie at a sidewalk shack or snap selfies with the famous Venice sign overhead. Every stop offers a fresh surprise: street art, boutique food stands, and even a quick detour to quirky local shops. By the tour’s end, you’ll feel like a beach-town regular—sun-soaked, smiling, and ready for the next adventure.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Step Into the Stories
Movie magic hits different when you’re walking right on set. Enter the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood—a Friday adventure that catapults you onto the backlots where big-screen legends (and your favorite TV characters) come to life. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a full-on immersion into the lifeblood of Los Angeles storytelling.
What makes it special? Guides share industry secrets and surreal facts—stand in “Central Perk” from Friends, explore the DC Universe, and see where superheroes, sitcom families, and Hogwarts students found their roots. The enormity of the sets, all those vintage cars, and the behind-the-scenes wizardry are enough to make even movie buffs speechless. You’ll recognize corners from recent hits and classic films alike.
Friday tours run with extra buzz—maybe you’ll spot a real film crew at work, or catch the stardust whirling as actors and directors scuttle between shoots. The on-site café gets you close to celebrity dining (try their themed lattes!), and the gift shop is a goldmine for souvenirs. Every LA visitor needs a brush with Hollywood—here, you’re part of the story.
The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes: Epic Views, Legendary Letters
If your LA dreams revolve around catching that up-close shot of the Hollywood Sign, nothing beats The Original Hollywood Sign Walking Tour by Bikes and Hikes. It’s a Friday hike with layers—exercise, city lore, and views you’ll replay in your mind for years.
You’ll join a lively crew at the base of the Hollywood Hills, ready to trek up winding city trails. The guides aren’t just fitness pros—they’re local experts, sharing juicy Hollywood gossip, history, and fun facts at every turn. Along the route you pass whimsical hillside houses and spot landmarks straight out of your favorite movies.
The grand finale? You're rewarded with panoramic views of the LA skyline, the valley, and a rare side-angle shot with those world-famous white letters. The mood up here feels electric: everyone’s snapping pics, sharing stories, and soaking up that “top of the world” high. Trust us—your Instagram grid will thank you.
Aquarium of the Pacific: Ocean Wonders Just Down the Coast
Santa Monica and Venice get all the beach buzz, but just a short drive south, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach delivers a whole different kind of sea excitement. Step inside and instantly, you’re transported to the deep—shimmering tanks, interactive touch pools, and sea otters playing hide-and-seek.
What’s extra-special on a Friday? Local families, school groups, and travelers mingle in the glow of blue-lit galleries. Watch sharks swirl, see jellyfish undulate like living art, or pop outside for a waterfront view of the busy harbor. Dive into interactive experiences, from feeding rays to inspecting tidepool creatures, all guided by friendly staff bursting with ocean facts.
Each exhibit explores a different slice of Pacific coastline, from tropical reefs to the chilly waters of the north. The Aquarium even spotlights California’s vibrant marine conservation movement, giving you a sense of place and purpose while you explore. With food stands and picnic tables overlooking Rainbow Harbor, it’s easy to make an afternoon of it—plus, you’re close to the Queen Mary for a bonus stroll after.
Grand Central Market: Global Eats in Every Bite
Lunchtime in Downtown LA means one thing: Grand Central Market. This grand old market, running since 1917, brings together LA’s best and boldest food purveyors under one buzzing roof. On Fridays, the energy is infectious—locals and globetrotters alike lining up for everything from ramen to tacos.
What’s on our must-try list? Start with an Eggslut breakfast sandwich (the “Fairfax” is famous for a reason!), then grab a carnitas taco from Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, or cross continents with Filipino rice bowls from Sari Sari Store. Love spice? Sichuan bites at China Café kick up the heat. For dessert, we vote for the funfetti doughnuts at The Donut Man or a classic horchata from Horchatería.
The setup is 100% unpretentious—long communal tables, neon signs, and a hustle-bustle soundtrack of cooks, buskers and happy eaters. It’s the definition of LA’s never-ending food story, and the perfect pit stop before your next adventure.
Rooftop Drinks at Perch: Sundowners with Style
Sunset hour in Los Angeles means rooftop bars, and Perch is where the Friday transformation really happens. Located downtown, this French-inspired sky lounge delivers knockout views, lush greenery, and a soundtrack of clinking glasses and live jazz. As day turns to night, the mood is both elegant and easygoing.
Perch’s 16th-story perch (pun intended) means you get glittering panoramas stretching across the city, while the décor—think Parisian garden meets contemporary LA—makes every seat selfie-worthy. The signature cocktails are a feast for the senses: “French Maid” with cucumber and mint is a crowd-pleaser, and the truffle fries are outrageously good for sharing.
On a Friday, Perch draws a mellow yet lively crowd: date nights, friends celebrating, out-of-towners gazing wide-eyed at the LA cityscape. Come for the sunset, but stay for the shared plates, tunes, and the sheer feeling of being part of something special. You’ll leave with a fresh appreciation for how LA does “Friday night out.”
Live Music at The Troubadour: Legends and New Discoveries
Round off your Friday with the beating heart of LA’s nightlife: live music. For this, The Troubadour in West Hollywood gets top billing. Since the 1950s, this intimate venue has hosted everyone from Elton John and Joni Mitchell to today’s hottest indie stars. You never know if you’re catching an emerging legend or experiencing a surprise secret show.
What sets The Troubadour apart? The space oozes character—low ceilings, simple wooden décor, and a stage close enough you feel every note. The sound is pristine, and the crowd comes for one thing only: great music. Fridays here range from folk and indie to rock and jazz, often with two or even three bands on the bill. Grab a craft beer at the bar and settle in—one night at The Troubadour and you’ll understand why LA’s music scene still leads the pack.
Friday in LA: The Full Experience
If you want to know what makes Los Angeles so endlessly fascinating, it’s Friday. Art and sunshine, world-class eats and blockbuster studios, panoramic hiking trails and salty ocean breezes—all within reach in a single city. Whether you’re chasing celebrity trailblazers, noshing at vibrant markets, or raising a toast on a glowy rooftop, LA’s Friday rhythm is pure magic. Trust us: you’ll want to stay until Sunday.
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do When it Rains in Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes.
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